Ryan FowlerFix Auto UK has been highly commended in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category at the InsideOut 2025 Awards, marking its first internationally recognised accolade outside the vehicle repair sector.
The recognition was awarded for the network’s Mental Health First Aid programme, led by regional business development manager Carl Norton. The initiative, launched in summer 2022, provides fully funded training to equip at least two mental health first aiders per repair centre, with the programme since extended to include head office staff, contractors, and supplier partners. The scheme recently reached its 200th qualified participant.
Fix Auto UK’s efforts were acknowledged during a ceremony in London’s West End attended by representatives from global brands. The category was won by Air Canada, with Sky also shortlisted.
The award citation credited Fix Auto UK for its “innovative and sustained efforts to embed mental health support and awareness” throughout its network and supply chain. The InsideOut Awards celebrate leadership in workplace mental health and wellbeing, with this year’s event drawing more than 1,500 nominations across 30 categories. Finalists included NHS Trusts, Nando’s, HSBC, BAE Systems, the Financial Times, Coca Cola, and Nationwide.
Mark Hutchins, operations director, said: “We’re extremely proud of our in-house scheme but to be officially recognised by such an inspiring awards programme alongside some of the largest brands and organisations in the world is an incredible achievement and really cannot be understated. It really is a reflection of the real impact we’re collectively making in the lives of those within the Fix Auto UK family and our extended partners.
“Winning would have been a dream, but when you consider the calibre of our fellow finalists, being Highly Commended is a monumental achievement. To have our name mentioned in the same breath as Air Canada, Sky, Coca Cola, Nationwide, HSBC and the FT well, I never thought that would ever be the case when I joined the network. This really is a celebration of every person within the organisation who has helped to make mental health and wellbeing a true priority.”
Hutchins added: “I cannot not mention Carl (Norton). This success is really down to his constant drive, commitment and unrivalled energy in delivering the course and it was such a shame a prior arranged holiday prevented him from stepping up on stage himself. I’m sure I speak for all who have undertaken the course, we are truly blessed to have him on board. He’s a trained and committed Samaritan who really has driven this initiative since first proposing the course in 2021.”
